SIOUX FALL, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls City Council voted to have a second reading of the city ordinance that would extend the city wide mask mandate, but not without opposition to the call.
Not only did residence opposed to an extension show up-most of whom having been familiar faces throughout the pandemic, but two city councilors joined them in their calls to end the mandate.
Council members Christine M. Erickson and Greg Neizert were among those who felt it was time the city did away with the mandate, a mandate council member Curt Soehl stated was intended to be lifted after the most vulnerable of the city’s population had been immunized.
Erickson stated that rescinding the mandate would bring balance to the situation, bringing relief to businesses hurt by the pandemic, while Neizert himself called the possible extension a matter of fear and “government coercion”.
The state is currently vaccinating group 1D according to the South Dakota Department of Health, which includes Persons aged 65 years and older, High risk patients -dialysis, post-transplant, active cancer, high risk residents in congregate settings, persons with underlying medical conditions under the age of 65, teachers and other school/college staff and funeral service workers.
Vaccinations for Group 1E which includes Fire service personnel, public-facing workers in essential and critical infrastructure is slated to begin the second half of April, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.
The vote passed 6-2, a second reading is scheduled for March 9.
Comments